Energy Minister: Cambodia Prioritizes Energy Resilience Through Global Partnerships and Clean Energy Investment

PHNOM PENH, May 20, 2026 (KPT) — Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia’s energy future will be built on resilience and diversification, stressing that the country must strengthen its system through global partnerships and clean energy investment.

Rottanak underscored that energy policy is no longer centered solely on self‑sufficiency but on building resilience through cooperation. “You do not build resilience by doing everything internally. You strengthen it through diversified partnerships and collaborations,” he said.

The minister pointed to recent efforts to expand cooperation with India, European institutions and multilateral lenders. He visited India to deepen bilateral energy ties and attended the Gateway Investment Conference in Brussels, where talks focused on renewable financing.

Cambodia is working with the European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank and World Bank to mobilize funds for clean energy projects.

Rottanak said domestic banks also have “tremendous liquidity” and could play a larger role in financing renewable development. The government is rolling out nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding renewable capacity and creating mechanisms to channel local liquidity into productive energy projects.

Cambodia remains exposed to external oil and gas shocks, importing all refined petroleum. To cushion households and businesses, the government has introduced fuel tax cuts and subsidies, forfeiting up to US$70 million in monthly revenue. Fuel prices rose again this week, with gasoline at 5,400 riel (US$1.35) per litre and diesel at 5,450 riel (US$1.36).

According to Rottanak, Cambodia maintains petroleum reserves covering 21–30 days and continue diversifying supply sources as part of long‑term resilience efforts.